Hala Izerska and Chatka Górzystów in the Izera Mountains
Hala Izerska is a mountain meadow at 840–880 m in the Izera valley in the Izera Mountains, and Chatka Górzystów is the mountain hut standing on it — the only surviving building of the former village of Gross-Iser. From Jakuszyce you get there via the Orle tourist station, about 6 km from the hut.
What makes Hala Izerska special?
- It is Poland’s “cold pole”. On 29 December 1996 the temperature here dropped to −36.6 °C, and sub-zero temperatures occur in every month, even in summer.
- Part of the meadow belongs to the Torfowiska Doliny Izery nature reserve, with raised peat bogs, dwarf mountain pine, bog pine and dwarf birch. See the Izera Valley Peat Bogs reserve.
- The wide, open valley and harsh climate are often compared to Scandinavian wilderness.
What is Chatka Górzystów?
Before the Second World War the village of Gross-Iser stood here — about 240 inhabitants, 43 houses, inns and a school. After the war the residents were resettled and the houses demolished. Only the 1938 school building survived; in the mid-1980s students from Zielona Góra turned it into a mountain hut.
Which trails lead to Hala Izerska?
- From Jakuszyce via Orle — the yellow trail from Polana Jakuszycka to the Orle tourist station, then the red trail to Hala Izerska. From Orle to Chatka Górzystów is about 6 km, passing a model of the Solar System.
- From Szklarska Poręba — the blue trail, which since September 2023 runs from Konna Ścieżka across the bridge over Jagnięcy Potok and past the foresters’ chapel.
- From Świeradów-Zdrój — the blue trail via Polana Izerska; paved cycling and walking routes also lead from there.
Are trails ever closed?
Yes. Szklarska Poręba Forest District sometimes closes sections during forestry work — for example, the yellow and blue trails from the chapel towards Chatka Górzystów were closed on 8–11 September 2026. Check the forest district’s news before you set off.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Hala Izerska is in the Izera Mountains, outside Karkonosze National Park, so no park ticket is needed. Snow can lie here until May, so bring a warm layer whatever the season.